A parliamentary panel has pulled up the Border Roads Organisation over lack of road connectivity to Tawang, near the Sino-Indian border, saying in case of war the Indian Army would not be able to reach there in a day while the "neighbouring country" would only take a few hours.

India may again approach Bhutan for an early clearance to a crucial road passing through its territory that connects strategically important Tawang with Guwahati as the neighbouring country has put on hold the project apparently due to fear of antagonising China.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju has said the Centre is launching many big projects "which are in the conceptual stage" and the Himalayan region will get special status keeping in view its strategic locale.

China on Wednesday sharply reacted to India's plans to construct a road network along the McMohan line in Arunachal Pradesh and expressed hope that India will not take any action which may complicate the situation before a final settlement is reached to end the boundary dispute.

Polling for 49 assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh began peacefully amid tight security. The main contest here is between Congress and BJP but new entrant Naga Peoples Front (NPF), along with PPA and NCP are expected to put up formidable fight in several seats.

After a gap of 31 months, chopper service was re-introduced in Tawang district, bordering China with the Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd (PHHL) resuming its passenger services between Naharlagun, Guwahati and Tawang.

Thousands of Buddhist devotees from Tawang district thronged the Galden Namgyal Lhatse, popularly known as Tawang Monastery, to catch a glimpse of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha brought from New Delhi.

A complete package comprising adventure, religious, spiritual, health, cultural and eco tourism has been suggested by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for a holistic growth of the tourism sector of the state here.

To fortify the confidence of people in the good intent of the Army and motivate the North East youth to join the defence force, a two-day `Know Your Army` Mela was organised at Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.